Offers a comprehensive and accessible introduction to and exploration of the role of context in the acquisition of a variety of L2 competencies.
This book makes a seminal contribution to understanding the role of context in different kinds of acquisition, taking forward current debates on inter- and transdisciplinarity in second language acquisition (SLA). It aims to both highlight and foster connections between different aspects of SLA, arguing for a more inclusive approach to research by reaching beyond prestige norms and making multilingualism and multicompetence a core principle of contemporary SLA research and practice.
The accessible state-of-the art chapters highlight the crucial role played by context of acquisition and use in practice, as well as discussing the role of context in the acquisition of a wide range of second language competencies.
The book brings together world-renowned experts and emerging scholars in the field who offer fresh transdisciplinary perspectives on SLA, embedding research questions within real-world contexts to make the field more inclusive and practically relevant.
Table of Contents:
Clare Wright, Pauliina Peltonen, Thorsten Piske and Anja Steinlen: Introduction
Part 1: Theories and Constructs
Chapter 1. Gabriele Pallott: A Pragmatic Approach to the Study of Context
Chapter 2. Tanja Angelovska: The Role of Context in L2 Processing and Acquisition of Morphosyntax
Chapter 3. Alex Leung: Context and Second Language Speech and Phonology
Chapter 4. David Singleton and Justyna Leśniewska: Lexis, Phrases and all the Trimmings
Chapter 5. Rachel Shively: Language in Context: Pragmatics and Second Language Acquisition
Part 2: SLA and Use
Chapter 6. Raphael Berthele: Adaptation or Learning? A Unified Account on the Elusive Multilingual Advantages in Additional Language Learning
Chapter 7. Anja Steinlen and Thorsten Piske: Teaching and Context: Factors Affecting the Teaching of Second/Foreign Languages in Classroom Contexts
Chapter 8. Anke Lenzing and Katrin Schmiderer: Processing in the Receptive, Productive and Interactive Use of an L2
Chapter 9. Mason Wirtz, Simone Pfenninger, Annika Rossmanith and Lukas Zbinden: Continuity Vs. Cut-Off Points in SLA across the Lifespan: From Significant Life Events to Biologically Regulated Thresholds
Chapter 10. Marianne Gullberg and Chloe Marshall: The Adult Capacity for Language Learning at First Exposure and the Role of Language Modality
Chapter 11. Fatih Bayram, Selim Tiryakiol and Brechje Van Osch: Navigating the Intersection of Heritage and Second Language Acquisition Research: Toward a Deeper Understanding of Bilingualism
Chapter 12. Bimali Indrarathne: Teaching and Assessing Learners with Dyslexia in Diverse Contexts
Chapter 13. Pauliina Peltonen, Elina Lehtilä and Clare Wright: Second Language Speech Fluency in Context
Chapter 14. Clare Wright and Parvaneh Tavakoli: Impact of Context on Second Language Fluency Assessment
Chapter 15. Anastasia Pattemore: Subtitled Audiovisual Input as a Language Learning Context
Chapter 16. Matthew Pattemore: Video Games as Language Learning Contexts
Chapter 17. Loulou Kosmala: Why Multimodality Matters in Second Language Acquisition Research
About the Author :
Clare Wright is Professor of Linguistics and Language Teaching at the University of Leeds, UK.
Pauliina Peltonen is Lecturer in the Department of English at the University of Turku, Finland.
Anja Steinlen is Senior Researcher in the Department of Foreign Language Education at the Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Germany.
Thorsten Piske is Professor of Foreign Language Learning and Teaching at the Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Germany.
Review :
A timely and intellectually stimulating volume that brings context and multilingualism to the centre of SLA while capturing key developments in the field. Its inclusive perspective, commitment to interdisciplinary inquiry, and accessible style make it both thought-provoking and enjoyable reading for both experienced scholars and those new to the field.
This text – more than any other – takes on the many facets of the 'nurture' side of the equation in a way that is accessible, exhaustive, and piercingly insightful. With leadership and contributions from scholars at the forefront of both theoretical and empirical domains within SLA, I hope the entire field will read this book. It’s the natural choice.
This book provides an accessible and comprehensive account of how SLA external and internal contexts shape and influence linguistic development. Particularly relevant for postgraduate students, teaching professionals and researchers in the field, the volume explores a range of theoretical perspectives on both mainstream and peripheral topics and illustrates how contextual variables may serve as a common ground.
